Apopka's population has increased in the past 10 years from about 6,500 to more than 16,000, and that growth shows no sign of slowing down.

The candidates agree the best way to cope with that growth is to manage it well. That includes making sure Apopka is equipped with roads, emergency protection and utilities.

The city's main roadways already are stressed, and all four candidates have vowed to fight for relief.

Apopka has long backed two proposed projects: a bypass that would carry traffic around the city, relieving crowded U.S. Highway 441 in the center of town; and a part of the Western Beltway that would connect Apopka with its neighbor, Ocoee.